John,
It’s been a busy week delivering on our America First agenda, but I want to take a moment to update you on the important work we’re doing to advance conservative values.
My Republican colleagues on the House Committee on Ways and Means and I sent a letter to The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) reaffirming our commitment to value-based healthcare. The purpose of CMMI is to test new payment and delivery systems that improve quality in federal healthcare programs while slowing the rate of growth in costs. However, the CMMI has rolled out expensive models, failed to communicate clearly, and operated with little transparency. In addition, they spent over $5 billion advancing the Biden administration’s politicized health equity agenda, which is not part of their Congressionally mandated mission. The Ways and Means Committee is committed to ensuring that the Center develops payment models that both improve patient care and save taxpayer dollars. With President Trump back in office, it’s time for CMMI to return to its original purpose, and we’re working to hold them to deliver real accountability and results.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, my fellow Minnesota Republican representatives, and I are calling for an ethics review of Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) for the alleged misuse of her official office staff and resources for campaign purposes. In early April, Rep. Craig used an op-ed newspaper column and her official social media platform to announce “town halls” in Republican districts, events that were widely viewed as a prelude for a 2026 Senate campaign. House Ethics rules prohibit Members of Congress from using their official resources to promote political events. While the actual events were run and paid for by her campaign, the initial announcement came through official channels. There is no excuse for misusing taxpayer dollars to serve political ambitions. I’m urging the House Ethics Committee to conduct a full investigation to ensure accountability and transparency in official conduct.
On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Lee Zeldin, issued an emergency fuel waiver for E-15 sales this summer. E-15 is gasoline blended with 15% ethanol and costs less than regular gas. It gives consumers a choice at the pump, strengthens the farm economy, and supports rural communities. Domestic renewable energy can also help protect consumers from fuel supply shocks and reduce our nation’s reliance on imported fuels. I have consistently advocated for year-round E-15 sales, so I am very pleased to see the EPA take this action and provide stability to the renewable fuels market.
As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with anything.
